The Dove by Théophile Gautier (1850)
A speaker addresses a dove, expressing a deep yearning for love and connection. The dove symbolizes hope and the possibility of communication with a beloved who is far away. The speaker implores the dove to deliver a message, filled with affection and longing, to the beloved, who resides near a king. The imagery evokes a sense of urgency and desperation, as the speaker wishes for the dove to forsake its tranquil surroundings and embark on a mission of love. The speaker reflects on the shared sorrow of both the dove and themselves, emphasizing the pain of separation. The dove is urged to avoid distractions and to focus on the task at hand, highlighting the intensity of the speaker's emotions. The letter carried by the dove contains not only words but also kisses, symbolizing the depth of affection and the desire for a connection that transcends distance. As the dove is sent on its journey, the speaker expresses a longing for the beloved's soul, indicating that the emotional bond is more significant than mere physical presence. The poem captures the essence of love's trials, the yearning for closeness, and the hope that even a small creature can bridge the gap between two hearts. The imagery of the dove, with its delicate beauty and ability to traverse distances, serves as a powerful metaphor for love's resilience and the desire for reunion.
By Théophile Gautier · First published 1850 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 210 words
First lines
O tender, beauteous dove, Calling such plaintive things! Wilt serve unto my love, And be my love's own wings?
O, but we 're like, poor heart! Thy dear one, too, is far. Remembering, apart, Each weeps beneath the star.
Let not thy rosy feet Stay once on any tower, -- I am so fain, my sweet, -- So weary turns the hour!
Forswear the palm's repose That spreadeth over all, And gables where the snows Of other pinions fall.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dove is listed on Textopian as a poem by Théophile Gautier, dated 1850 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Théophile Gautier
- Date: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Elegy, Nature Poetry
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Dove by Théophile Gautier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and nature align with the Romantic movement's focus on emotion and individual experience.
- Symbolism — The use of the dove as a symbol of love and longing reflects the Symbolist movement's emphasis on imagery and metaphor.
- Elegy — The poem conveys a sense of loss and yearning, typical of elegiac themes.
Tags
romance · poetry · symbolism · nature · love · beauty · loss · longing · imagination · dreams · melancholy · art